2023 Map of Murphy Waterholes

About this map

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge defines this portion of the high desert in Lake County, where water is the primary driver of the landscape's character and nomenclature. The map reveals a network of crucial watering points, including Murphy Waterhole, Socket Waterhole, and Zero Waterhole, which have likely served both wildlife and livestock for decades. These named basins, along with Pistol Lake and the Westside Waterhole, indicate the importance of seasonal hydrology in an otherwise arid environment. The terrain is marked by subtle shifts in elevation, leading toward Black Canyon in the southwest. This modern survey from the U.S. Geological Survey utilizes data from the National Hydrography Dataset to document these critical water resources within the refuge's protected boundaries.